World number one Novak Djokovic and seven-time champion Rafael Nadal clash in a French Open semi-final that promises to be another epic contest between two of the finest players on the ATP tour. Join us for live scores from 9.00pm AEST.
It is a match-up more befitting a final and it may well end up being the decisive match in the tournament, given that whoever wins tonight will be a very strong favourite to take out the 2013 French Open.
Nadal has enjoyed a wonderful season after returning from injury several months ago and is once again just two matches away from winning a remarkable eighth French Open title.
The Spaniard however will firstly have to get past the only player that has defeated him on clay this season if he is to keep his French Open campaign alive.
Although Nadal possesses a strong 12-3 head to head record against Djokovic on clay, the Serb really is the only player on tour that can stand toe to toe against Nadal on this surface and win.
Djokovic’s victory over Nadal in the Montecarlo Masters final in April this year proves that the Serb possesses the artillery necessary to dethrone Nadal from his insurmountable perch at Roland Garros.
Prediction
The Djokovic – Nadal rivalry has gone up a few levels over the past couple of years so we should expect another titanic tussle of the highest quality tonight.
Both of these players are very evenly matched both physically and mentally, with neither player expected to give an inch on centre court
While Nadal will start as favourite, Djokovic is a real chance of upsetting the Spaniard tonight, particularly if he pins Nadal deep on the baseline with his terrific groundstrokes.
On his day, Djokovic has shown that he can dominate Nadal with his deep angled groundstrokes off the forehand and backhand side.
Add Djokovic’s terrific ability to cover almost every ball hit his way and one can see why the Serb really is the only player that can beat Nadal on clay.
In saying that, Nadal’s record at Roland Garros speaks for itself. No player in Tennis history has dominated an event or a surface much like the Spaniard has at the French Open.
His high tempo play, coupled with his terrific whipping forehand and strong backhand down the line are weapons that has allowed Nadal to conquer Roland Garros time and time again.
With this in mind, it is imperative that Djokovic wins the first set against Nadal.
If the Serb finds himself a set down, his chances of beating Nadal on clay appear remote, even for a player of his outstanding qualities.
If Djokovic were to win the first set however, the Serb chances of causing the upset would increase significantly, to the point where the world number one should be favoured to win the contest.
Whichever way you look at it, tonight’s semi-final should once again present us with another memorable chapter in the Djokovic – Nadal rivalry.
Djokovic to win in five sets.
Frankie Hughes
Guest
Federer can't be considered the greatest when he's not even her greatest in his own era. Nadal's 20-10 H2H lead proves this.
Brian
Guest
The Messi of tennis? Ronaldo maybe.
Aniekan Brown
Guest
The 27 year old from Marlloca is simply the very best on clay. The passion with which he plays tennis makes him an Amanda to lovers of the sport. He proved much of nemesis to Federra and now an antidote to the younger Novak. In my opinion, he is the best ever. Much respect to the "Messi" of tennis. I wish him the best in other slams later in the year.
Frankie Hughes
Guest
8th June, 2013 The day the Nadal-Djokovic rivalry turned back into the favour of Nadal. Nadal breaks Djokovic's heart and his relentless streak at Roland Garros Nadal suffered similar heartbreak at the 2012 Australian Open, just has now won the last two slam meetings against Djokovic. If they meet at Wimbledon, Nadal will beat Djokovic
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Game, set, match! Djokovic hits long, and Nadal breaks to love! What an epic. Rafa wins: 6-4 3-6 6-1 6-7 9-7
lachjohnston
Roar Rookie
8-7 Rafa in the 5th. You get the feeling this will become one of the matches that defines their rivalry. Both have been seemingly gone and both have fought back so strongly. Add to that some of the moments in the match. Nole's time violation and overbalance at the net. Rafa's tweener and some trademark ridiculous forehands on big points. Not much better to do at 1.51am in Australia!
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Well be that as it may, there is no denying Rafa's record on court. I don't think even Nole will be able to deny it here. Rafa's up 8-7 in the decider. Hold your breath...
Johnno
Guest
Novak is almsot super human, or not human so mentally strong. Rafa has thrown the kitchen sink at him, and has dominated for long periods of the match, and looks so fit but Novak has hung in there , and refused to go away on Rafa's best surface, what a pest. No , just so good and so gutsy. best player maybe ever potential already top 10. He did the same thing to Rafa at the OZ open, hung in there like a pest and refused to go away and finally wore Rafa down. The 2 most mentally strong players int he last 25 years. Fed has thrown everything at Rafa in the past, and ends up losing in 4 or 5 sets.
olanrewaju
Guest
Nadal is great and is goin to be world best again soon
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Well don't ask me how Djokovic has managed to lead by a break in the fifth, there's some sorcery involved, surely. But there it is. Djokovic leads 2-1 with a break in the fifth.
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Rafa is running away with this. Djokovic looked completely out of sorts in that third set, and Rafa put him to the sword. He even had a chance there to hand the World Number 1 a bagel with two set points at 5-0. Djokovic is hanging in, but by a thread at best.